Spiritual Gift of Faith

The spiritual gift of faith is the special conviction God gives to some to be firmly persuaded of God’s power and promises to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction. It is a divine enablement to act on God’s promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God’s ability to fulfill his purposes.

“..an extraordinary trust in God under the most difficult or dangerous circumstances.” (Wesley, 623)

“The wisest men are not always the best.  Those who know most about the world sometimes know the least about God.  Facts are not the highest goal of the mind.  To have an abstract knowledge of God is not enough.  We need faith that leads to fellowship.”  (Laurin, 233)

Gift of Faith and Saving Faith

The gift of faith is different than saving faith.   Saving faith is something that all Christians possess.  Dr. Laurin describes the difference between saving faith and the gift of faith perfectly when he writes “In this case the gift of faith does not mean a disposition to believe, such as one has at conversion.  It means the doing and daring of faith.  It means the ability to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.” (Laurin, 207)

One with the gift of faith sees their faith as not something they possess, but more of an action or movement.  To them it’s a verb more than a noun.   The Holy Spirit enables them to carry out tasks, accomplish goals, meet difficult needs, or lead others in the work of the body which may seem overly difficult or nearly impossible to others.

A person with the gift may seem overly optimistic about the task at hand or seem very eager to move a group or team along towards hard to reach goals.  Their faith is infectious and can help bolster a person or group to reach new heights or see things in a more faith filled light.  They are not necessarily leaders but they are always vocal in their positivity and project an air of simple confidence.

This gift compliments the gifts of wisdom and knowledge in the way that faith makes them practical and applicable to the will of God.

Martin Luther on the Spiritual Gift of Faith

Martin Luther, the German theologian and leader of the Protestant Reformation, wrote extensively about the spiritual gift of faith.

In his view, faith was not just a matter of intellectual assent or belief in certain doctrines, but a deep trust in God’s promises and a personal relationship with Him. Luther believed that this kind of faith was a gift from God, given by grace through the Holy Spirit, and not something that could be earned or achieved by human effort.

Luther also emphasized the importance of faith in the Christian life, writing that it was the foundation of salvation and the means by which believers could receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He saw faith as a powerful force that could overcome doubt, fear, and despair, and enable believers to live boldly and confidently in the midst of life’s challenges and trials.

John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Faith

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, also had a deep understanding of the spiritual gift of faith.

For Wesley, faith was not just an intellectual belief, but a personal trust in God that transforms the heart and leads to a life of holiness and obedience. He believed that this kind of faith was a gift from God, given by grace through the Holy Spirit, and that it was essential for salvation.

Wesley also saw faith as an active force in the Christian life, empowering believers to love God and neighbor, and to live out their faith in practical ways. He emphasized the importance of prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in the sacraments as means of strengthening and deepening one’s faith.

Wesley also believed that the gift of faith was not limited to a select few, but was available to all who sought it with a sincere heart. He encouraged believers to pray for an increase in faith, and to trust in God’s power and provision in all areas of life.

The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Faith

In the Catholic Church, the spiritual gift of faith is considered to be one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, along with wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, and piety.

According to Catholic teaching, the gift of faith is a supernatural virtue that enables a person to believe in God and to accept the truths of the Catholic faith. It is a gift that comes from God, and it enables a person to trust in God’s promises and to submit to His will.

The gift of faith is seen as essential for salvation, as it allows a person to receive God’s grace and to be reconciled to Him. It is also seen as a source of strength and comfort in times of trial and difficulty.

Catholics believe that the gift of faith is nourished and strengthened through prayer, the sacraments, and participation in the life of the Church. They also believe that faith is not a solitary experience, but is meant to be lived out in community, through works of charity and social justice.

People with this Gift:

  • Believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same
  • Has a higher trust level in God and what He will do
  • Act in complete confidence of God’s ability to overcome obstacles
  • Embodies a quiet strength about them and is not afraid to confront challenges
  • Demonstrate an attitude of trust in God’s will and his promises
  • Advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not
  • Ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provision.
  • Exhibit their faith by their deeds and lifestyle

Bible References

Isaiah 55:8Our thoughts are not God’s thoughts
Romans 8:26-27The Holy Spirit helps us to pray
1 Corinthians 12:9Paul mentions the specific gift of faith
Hebrews 4:1-2, 12-13Faith allows us to understand the Word
Hebrews 10:32-39Faith gives you courage and confidence
Hebrews 11Paul’s discussion on faith
James 1:5-8Believe and do not doubt
James 2:14-16Faith without action is dead
James 5:13-18Faith at work in the body
1 Peter 1:3-9Those in faith are shielded by God

Gifts Testimony

Name Withheld

In what ways have you used your gift? Please relate examples so that we can better understand the gift and the use.
Witnessing and encouraging others in their faith on the field and since retired, even now as a widow to other widows in my church and where I live, and within my own family, including nieces and nephews, kids and grandkids.

How would you personally describe the gift from your experiences?
I knew I needed a Savior at 8 years old, and after believing and accepting Him through the leading of my Sunday School teacher, I wanted to be baptized to proclaim Jesus as my Lord. At 14, however, I came to know Him as a person, alive now, and able to talk to personally, and He communicated with me through His Word and through others by means of the Holy Spirit within me. As I grew, I began to rely on His leading in His preparation for service, which settled into a teaching credential and experience, and leading to my life mate in His service before he preceded me to heaven three years ago. We shared 58 years of the life of faith together, so I know Our Lord’s faithfulness on a personal level.

The Spiritual Gifts Project is always looking for personal perspective about the spiritual gifts. If you would like to share your experiences and help further all of our understanding about a particular spiritual gift, please visit our feedback page.

References

  • Collins, 72-73
  • Luther/Pauck, 240-243
  • Laurin, 206-208

Other Gifts